Acura first launched its luxury crossover in 2001 to take on luxury utility vehicles like the Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX and Infiniti FX -- yet with a decidedly biased sporty on-road behavior. Now the latest MDX features the Super Handling AWD system and is tuned to tear up the asphalt, not the dirt. Acura developed the MDX with testing on Germany's Nurburgring -- which is why you won't find a low-range transfer case on the options list of the MDX.The latest MDX features a new 3.7-liter.SOHC VTEC V6 with 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, which Acura says now features more heavy-duty parts for extra longevity. Acura has replaced the five-speed automatic transmission with a new six-speed transmission, bringing EPA fuel economy to an estimated 16/21 mpg for city/highway driving.

The MDX is offered in five trim levels starting with the base model and moving up through the Technology, Technology and Entertainment, Advance and Advance and Entertainment groupings. The Technology package adds premium leather trim, navigation, and a 410-watt audio system, while the Advance package adds to that a collision-detecting system that pre-charges the brakes, adaptive cruise control, blind spot information and an active damper system for the suspension. The Entertainment package, which is offered with either the Technology or Advance groups, includes a rear seat monitor, DVD player, wireless headphones and heated rear seats.

In addition to drivetrain changes for the latest model, Acura seems to be building on the corporate look previewed by the TL and TSX -- as the MDX gains revisions to its front and rear fascia similar to Acura's latest offerings. The now-infamous Acura "beak" has been toned down here compared to some of its siblings, while new 19-inch wheels and brighter tail lamps round out the exterior changes.

Inside, the MDX features heated and (optionally) ventilated "Milano" leather seats, a thicker sport steering wheel, paddle shifters, new gauges, revised button placement in the center stack and overall upgraded materials. Acura's Real Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting features are newly available with the optional navigation system